Which Volvo S80 Version Should You Buy?
The Volvo S80 catalogue covers five recorded generation stages, all Sedan models, from March 1998 to April 2016. For the strongest acceleration, the second-generation 2.0 AT with 245 hp reaches 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds; the 3.0 T6 AT delivers the highest output at 304 hp and the highest listed speed at 250 km/h. For economy, the final-restyling 2.0 MT diesel records 3.9 l/100 km combined.
The Volvo S80 catalogue covers five recorded generation stages, all Sedan models, from March 1998 to April 2016. For the strongest acceleration, the second-generation 2.0 AT with 245 hp reaches 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds; the 3.0 T6 AT delivers the highest output at 304 hp and the highest listed speed at 250 km/h. For economy, the final-restyling 2.0 MT diesel records 3.9 l/100 km combined. Buyers prioritizing AWD can choose selected 2.4 AT diesel, 3.2 AT gasoline, or 3.0 T6 AT gasoline versions. Reliability, maintenance costs, prices, and sale listings are not measured in the supplied data, so this comparison concentrates on specifications that can be verified.
Volvo S80 generations and version choices
The first generation ran from March 1998 to January 2004 as a Sedan and contained 27 modifications. The supplied selection includes 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT versions with 163, 180, or 226 hp, plus 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT versions with 140 hp and a 2.4 MT with 170 or 200 hp. These cars are FWD, use four- or five-speed transmissions, and have gasoline inline five-cylinder engines in the listed versions.
The first-generation restyling ran from April 2003 to May 2006, remained a Sedan, and contained 25 modifications. Its supplied versions include 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT models with 163 or 226 hp, 2.0 MT with 180 hp, 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT with 140 hp, 2.4 MT with 170 hp, and 2.5 MT or 2.5 AT with 210 hp. All listed variants are FWD. Compared with the original generation, the basic architecture and many outputs remained closely related, while the supplied catalogue adds the 210 hp 2.5 choices.
The second generation ran from June 2006 to May 2010 as a Sedan and contained 20 modifications. The supplied range broadens considerably: gasoline and diesel engines, four to six cylinders, manual and automatic gearboxes, and both FWD and AWD appear. Outputs run from 109 hp in the 1.6 MT diesel to 238 hp in the 3.2 AT gasoline version.
The second-generation restyling ran from March 2009 to January 2014, remained a Sedan, and contained 27 modifications. The supplied selection ranges from 115 hp diesel versions to 249 hp gasoline versions. It includes manual, automatic, and robotic transmissions, while AWD is available on selected 3.2 AT versions.
The second generation’s second restyling ran from June 2013 to April 2016, remained a Sedan, and contained 11 modifications. Its listed range stretches from the 115 hp 1.6 D2 MT and 1.6 D2 AT to the 304 hp 3.0 T6 AT. Six- and eight-speed automatics appear, and the 181 hp 2.0 diesel is also offered with a six-speed manual.
Volvo S80 engine specs
Because identical version names can describe different engines or drivetrains, power and generation stage are shown beside every repeated name.
| Generation stage and exact version | Output | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation — 2.0 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 230 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation — 2.0 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 230 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation — 2.0 AT, 180 hp | 180 hp | 240 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation — 2.0 MT, 180 hp | 180 hp | 240 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation — 2.0 AT, 226 hp | 226 hp | 310 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation — 2.0 MT, 226 hp | 226 hp | 310 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation — 2.4 MT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation — 2.4 AT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation — 2.4 MT, 140 hp, fuel not measured | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | not measured | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation — 2.4 AT, 140 hp, 92 fuel | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | 92 | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First generation — 2.4 MT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 230 Nm | 2435 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation — 2.4 MT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 285 Nm | 2435 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 230 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.0 AT, 163 hp | 163 hp | 230 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 180 hp | 180 hp | 240 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 226 hp | 226 hp | 310 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.0 AT, 226 hp | 226 hp | 310 Nm | 1984 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.4 AT, 140 hp, 95 fuel | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | 95 | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.4 MT, 140 hp, 95 fuel | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | 95 | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.4 AT, 140 hp, 92 fuel | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | 92 | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.4 MT, 140 hp, fuel not measured | 140 hp | 220 Nm | 2435 cc | not measured | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.4 MT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 230 Nm | 2435 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.5 MT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 320 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First-generation restyling — 2.5 AT, 210 hp | 210 hp | 320 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 MT, 146 hp | 146 hp | 190 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.5 MT, 200 hp | 200 hp | 300 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation — 3.2 AT, 238 hp | 238 hp | 320 Nm | 3192 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 AT, 146 hp | 146 hp | 185 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.4 AT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.4 MT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.4 AT, 205 hp | 205 hp | 420 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation — 1.6 MT, 109 hp | 109 hp | 240 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 AT, 136 hp | 136 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.0 MT, 136 hp | 136 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation — 2.4 AT, 185 hp | 185 hp | 400 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation — 2.4 MT, 185 hp | 185 hp | 400 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.5 AT, 249 hp | 249 hp | 360 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.5 MT, 231 hp | 231 hp | 340 Nm | 2521 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 1.6 MT, 180 hp | 180 hp | 240 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 203 hp | 203 hp | 300 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 240 hp | 240 hp | 320 Nm | 1999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 3.2 AT, 238 hp, AWD | 238 hp | 320 Nm | 3192 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 3.2 AT, 238 hp, FWD | 238 hp | 320 Nm | 3192 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 3.2 AT, 243 hp, AWD | 243 hp | 320 Nm | 3192 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 3.2 AT, 243 hp, FWD | 243 hp | 320 Nm | 3192 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 1.6 MT, 115 hp | 115 hp | 270 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 1.6 DSG, 115 hp | 115 hp | 270 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Second-generation restyling — 2.0 MT, 136 hp | 136 hp | 350 Nm | 1984 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second restyling — 2.0 AT, 181 hp | 181 hp | 400 Nm | 1969 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling — 2.0 MT, 181 hp | 181 hp | 400 Nm | 1969 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second restyling — 2.4 AT, 215 hp | 215 hp | 440 Nm | 2400 cc | Diesel | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling — 2.5 AT, 249 hp | 249 hp | 360 Nm | 2497 cc | Gasoline | 5, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling — 3.2 AT, 238 hp, AWD | 238 hp | 320 Nm | 3192 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling — 3.2 AT, 238 hp, FWD | 238 hp | 320 Nm | 3192 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling — 1.6 D2 MT | 115 hp | 270 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second restyling — 1.6 D2 AT | 115 hp | 270 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling — 2.0 AT, 245 hp | 245 hp | 350 Nm | 1969 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second restyling — 3.0 T6 AT | 304 hp | 440 Nm | 2953 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second restyling — 1.6 T4 DSG | 180 hp | 240 Nm | 1596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
Volvo S80 performance and fuel economy
For outright performance, the second-restyling 2.0 AT with 245 hp is the quickest measured version: 0–100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 230 km/h. Its 1969 cc engine produces about 124.4 hp per litre, the highest calculated specific output among the supplied versions. The 3.0 T6 AT is close at 6.7 seconds, but its 304 hp and 250 km/h top speed make it the output and speed leader. It also supplies 440 Nm and AWD, versus 350 Nm and FWD in the 245 hp 2.0 AT.
The 2.0 AT with 245 hp also combines performance with lower measured consumption: 8.4 l/100 km city, 4.9 highway, and 6.2 combined. The 3.0 T6 AT records 14.5 city, 7.3 highway, and 9.9 combined. The T6 therefore consumes 3.7 l/100 km more on the combined cycle while adding 59 hp, 90 Nm, AWD, and 20 km/h of top speed.
Among the final-restyling diesels, the 2.0 MT with 181 hp records 4.4 l/100 km city, 3.6 highway, and 3.9 combined. The automatic version returns the same 8.4-second 0–100 km/h time and 225 km/h maximum, but records 4.3 l/100 km combined, 0.4 more than the manual. The 2.4 AT diesel adds AWD, 34 hp, and 40 Nm over either 181 hp 2.0 diesel, while reaching 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and consuming 5.9 l/100 km combined.
The restyled second-generation 1.6 MT and 1.6 DSG diesels both produce 115 hp and 270 Nm and return 4.5 l/100 km combined. The manual reaches 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and 190 km/h; the robotic version needs 12.8 seconds and reaches 185 km/h. The final 1.6 D2 MT and 1.6 D2 AT have the same listed output and torque, but acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured.
The original first-generation 226 hp 2.0 MT reaches 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, whereas the 226 hp 2.0 AT takes 7.9 seconds. Combined consumption is 9.7 and 10.2 l/100 km respectively. The manual therefore saves 0.4 seconds and 0.5 l/100 km while using five gears rather than the automatic’s four. For every version whose acceleration or consumption field is absent, that figure is not measured rather than zero.
Volvo S80 dimensions, weight, tank, and wheel specs
Exterior length, width, height, and weight distribution are not measured in the supplied data. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and selected wheel sizes are available.
The lightest measured S80 here is the second-generation 1.6 MT diesel at 1456 kg. With 109 hp, it carries about 13.4 kg per hp. At the other end of the performance comparison, the second-restyling 2.0 AT with 245 hp weighs 1608 kg, or about 6.6 kg per hp, while the 3.0 T6 AT weighs 1742 kg, or about 5.7 kg per hp. The T6 is 134 kg heavier but has 59 hp more, giving it the better calculated power-to-weight result.
The heaviest measured version is the second-generation 2.4 AT diesel with 205 hp at 1770 kg; its gross weight is 2270 kg. The highest listed gross weight belongs to the 3.0 T6 AT at 2290 kg. Depending on version, recorded ground clearance ranges from 135 to 151 mm. Every listed S80 uses a 70-litre fuel tank.
Wheel data depend on the exact version. First-generation examples list sizes from 205/65 R15 to 225/50 R17. Selected second-generation and restyled cars list 205/60 R16, 225/50 R17, 245/45 R17, and 245/40 R18, while the final-restyling 2.4 AT diesel additionally lists 225/60 R16, 235/40 R19, and other supplied sizes. Where no wheel size appears for a version, wheel size is not measured.
Volvo S80 reliability, problems, and buying decision
Reliability, engine-system faults, oil capacity, engine-number location, engine mounts, repair frequency, and servicing costs are not measured. Those questions cannot be answered from the catalogue figures, and no numerical specification proves that one version is more reliable than another.
For the lowest measured consumption, choose the final-restyling 2.0 MT diesel with 181 hp: 3.9 l/100 km combined, 400 Nm, and an 8.4-second 0–100 km/h time. Choose its 2.0 AT counterpart if the eight-speed Automatic matters more than the 0.4 l/100 km combined-consumption difference.
For a diesel with AWD, the final-restyling 2.4 AT is the most powerful supplied choice at 215 hp and 440 Nm. It is 96 kg lighter than the earlier 205 hp second-generation 2.4 AT diesel, accelerates 0.7 seconds faster, and consumes 1.1 l/100 km less combined.
For maximum speed and output, choose the 3.0 T6 AT: 304 hp, 440 Nm, AWD, 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h, and 250 km/h. For the quickest measured acceleration and stronger efficiency, the 245 hp 2.0 AT is the sharper numerical compromise: it is 134 kg lighter, reaches 100 km/h 0.2 seconds sooner, and uses 3.7 l/100 km less combined, though it gives up AWD, 59 hp, 90 Nm, and 20 km/h of top speed.
Among early cars, the 226 hp 2.0 MT provides the strongest measured power-to-weight result in the supplied first-generation selection at about 6.6 kg per hp. Buyers preferring a less powerful non-turbo specification can compare the 140 hp 2.4 versions, but their measured 0–100 km/h times of 11.0–11.5 seconds are much slower than the turbocharged alternatives. The final choice should therefore follow a clear priority: 2.0 MT diesel for measured economy, 2.4 AT diesel for AWD and torque, 2.0 AT with 245 hp for acceleration, or 3.0 T6 AT for maximum output and speed.